MMA S.B. 591 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS HIGHER EDUCATION S.B. 591 By: Gallegos (Bailey) 4-30-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND The University of Houston-Downtown (UH-D) is the only general academic institution in the state that is statutorily precluded from offering course work beyond a baccalaureate degree. UHD is an open admissions public university which serves the multi-cultural population of Houston and surrounding counties. The university plans to develop graduate programs on a small scale. An expanded mission statement which could contemplate this legislation has already been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). All programs would still have to be approved by the board of regents and THECB. PURPOSE S.B. 591 eliminates statutory language precluding UH-D from offering graduate level courses. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 111.92, Education Code, as follows: Sec. 111.92. ROLE AND SCOPE. Requires the University of Houston-Downtown to offer graduate programs contingent upon the approval by the board of regents and the THECB. SECTION 2. Emergency clause.